Sunday, July 19, 2009

Cardinal Harbour report

What a day. I think that overall everything went very well. I have heards some good comments. It was one of those days where I spent all my time putting out small fires and could not see much of the big picture. When there is a bike wreck or an aid staition is running low on cups or any of the other 100 of emergencies that comes up it sure seems like everything is falling apart for the entire race. I tell all new race directors it doesn't really matter how bad of an event you have as long as the athletes have a good one everything is great. I need to start listening to that myself.

First thanks to Preston Chiropractic, and Bluegrass Bicycles for their support. To Cardinal Harbour and all the other areas where the people put us with us for the event. To The Coast Guard, and Oldham County Fire and Rescue for keeping us above water. Oldham County EMS for treating our injured. Off Duty Police Services for protecting us on the roads. And of course all the great volunteers who give their time to help us out.

We could not have asked for a better day. High in the mid 70s and water temp of 77. Very little chance of ever getting that weather again for a race in mid July.

The swim went off like a charm. We had help from the Coast Guard, Oldham County Fire and Rescue, and a couple of residents from Cardinal Harbour as well as our normal crew.

The bike portion of the race saw some excitement. There were a couple of accidents and a few locals with attitudes. We also had a situation where the Henry County police who had promised to be at two turns did not show up and created a dangerous situation. Hats off to you guys for your caution in that area.

We had a volunteer who sent about 10 athletes down Goshen Lane on the way out. He called when he realized what he had done. I sent out another volunteer to stop them and he just drove right past. I was prepared to face the wrath of hell when those cyclist rolled back into Cardinal Harbour. Everyone seemed to understand the situation with the volunteer and had a great attitude about it. They were a great group of folks. I think it may have been a big help that Cynthia got to them before I did. She is so sweet it is much harder to get mad at her than me.

The run was flat and cool what more could you ask for? I know mile markers and better mowing of the last part. We will take care of that for next year. We had no problems out on the run, at least that I am aware of.

Max Longree, the winner of last years Ironman Louisville, won the triathlon. I did't get much of a chance to speak with him, but he seems like he would a hard guy not to like. I saw him about a quarter mile into the bike ride. He was in third place at the time and had a smile on his face like it was his first race. He comes rolling into T2 in second place with his hadlebars broken. He had ridden the last five miles like that including Goshen. (scares me with handlebars). He stayed calm and went on to win the race. Most of us would have been mad just because we were going to loose a little time.

It was a great day and we will try to make next year even better.

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